§ 44. Mr. D. GRENFELL (for Mr. T. WILLIAMS)asked the Minister of Agriculture how many of the 142 assignments received by the Wheat Commission are in favour of private landowners and how many are in favour of joint stock banks?
§ Major ELLIOTThe hon. Member will appreciate that in assignments made to 344 private persons it is not easy to distinguish landowners from other persons. I am, however, informed by the Wheat Commission that of the 142 notices of assignment, it is estimated that nine are in favour of private landowners; 24 are in favour of joint stock banks.
§ Mr. GRENFELLWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman tell the House whether these assignments are negotiable, and will he define the limits of negotiability?
§ Major ELLIOTI should require notice of that question.
§ Sir STAFFORD CRIPPSHas the right hon. and gallant Gentleman satisfied himself that it is in accordance with the intention of the Wheat Act that such assignments should be made of moneys which purported to be for the benefit of the farmer and not the landowner?
§ Major ELLIOTSurely money which is for the benefit of the farmer is also for the purpose of redeeming liabilities which are incurred by the farmer.